LYNDEN, Wash. — Lynden Police arrested and booked identified as Samuel Swanson, age 38 and of Blaine, into Whatcom County Jail this morning, August 8, 2025, following an investigation into a fatal crash in May of 2025.
He made a preliminary court appearance today where bail was set at $250,000.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed with Whatcom County Superior Court, the suspect, was driving a white 2019 Ford Escape SUV eastbound in the 2000 block of Main Street in Lynden at a high rate of speed in a 35mph zone when it “suddenly and dramatically swerved” across the middle 2-way turn lane and crashed head on into the westbound 2017 Chevrolet Express Type A school bus.
According to data boxes recovered from both vehicles, the SUV was traveling 77mph at the moment of impact and had been traveling at 86mph 5 seconds prior. The school bus was traveling 23mph at the moment of impact.
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The school bus driver was declared deceased at the scene. Swanson was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center with multiple broken bones.
Swanson was reportedly sending text messages prior to the crash indicating he was having a mental crisis.
The Lynden Police investigation said it appeared Swanson intentionally crashed head on into the school bus at a high rate of speed.
Swanson faces a felony charge of 2nd-degree murder with intent to cause death without premeditation with a deadly weapon enhancement. The enhancement noting use of a deadly weapon in committing the crime will add additional time to the sentencing if found guilty.
As of 5pm on August 8, 2025, jail records indicated Swanson was released from custody after posting bond.
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